Fun Fact: The state of Maine has the highest moose population in the lower 48 states. As the largest member of the deer family, Maine has approximately 60-70,000 of the cute, gangly and DANGEROUS creatures. While aggression is not their norm, they can resort to it when a cow moose protects its young or when the bull moose is in the rut. As always, stay aware of your surroundings, observe from afar, and don’t be like these assholes who throw snowballs at them.

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Fun Fact: The New Hampshire section of the Appalachian Trail has the highest average elevation gain of the entire trail at 329 feet/mile. Be prepared. This state can totally kick your ass (in the most beautiful way possible, of course).

Live free or die.

It’s not my motto though some may argue that it could be (just kidding, I like to think I’m far more hardcore than I actually am).

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“Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn’t people feel as free to delight in whatever remains to them.”

-Rose Kennedy

149.8 miles

12 days (08.21-09.02)

When people ask me “What is your favorite section of the Appalachian Trail?” it’s tough to form a response. Is this question in reference to the scenery and beauty? Is this an inquiry into the amazing people I was surrounded with? Or, perhaps a particular moment or timeframe in which I felt the most enlightened? Continue reading →

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When you hear the word “Massachusetts”, what image do you conjure up? Assuming you aren’t one of the 6.7 million people living in this great state with a unique and intimate perspective, perhaps you might imagine…

Cobblestone streets in Boston…

Lighthouses and quaint fishing villages on Cape Cod…

“The Departed”…

Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch…

All reasonable first thoughts. What child born in the U.S. wasn’t taught about the midnight ride of Paul Revere? The Kennedy Compound summons memories of this country’s 35th president, his family and the beautiful, slow-paced living of Cape Cod. And, if all else fails, 99.9% of people on this planet are assuredly aware of the six-pack abs belonging to the perfection that is Mark Wahlberg.Continue reading →

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Helpful NOBO tidbit: If you are planning to receive a winter gear mail drop, Connecticut is a good place to begin planning when and where to receive it (we received ours in Bennington, VT). Depending on the season and time of arrival, it can get quite cold in the remaining states. It’s best to be prepared!

Connecticut… home of this fine country’s first juicy burger, headquarters to ESPN and the World Wrestling Federation, and birthplace of George W. Bush (listed in order of quality contributions to American life).

Also home to Connecticut? Quaint New England towns, polo-shirted men, and charming countryside.Continue reading →

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Interesting Fact: The first section of the Appalachian Trail was completed in 1923 and was constructed in the Bear Mountain-Harriman State Park segment. Also found in this section? The lowest elevation point of the A.T. is located at the Trailside Museum and Zoo at Bear Mountain ringing in at a whopping 124 feet above sea level.

When you cross into the ninth state on your Appalachian Trail journey, you don’t just smile, say “wahoo”, and move along. You sit and savor the moment. With Friends. Celebrating.

When things get monotonous, you celebrate.

Every.

Single.

Milestone.

That was our key to keeping the excitement alive. As enjoyable as hiking can be, doing anything repeatedly for 4-5 months can make even grandma yawn to an episode of Green Acres (which just plain doesn’t happen). Continue reading →

Leaving Daleville was a struggle. Not so much from the pull of the town but from the state of exhaustion I found myself in. I don’t know if it’s malnourishment (probably) or the daily wear-and-tear on my body (likely) but I knew I needed to try something new. We’re going to start with upping our calorie count. Little things like adding olive oil to meals and packing out peanut butter are worth their weight in gold in terms of the calories added. Continue reading →